Definition of counter
- adv. - A prefix meaning contrary, opposite, in opposition; as,
counteract, counterbalance, countercheck. See Counter, adv. & a.
- v. t. - One who counts, or reckons up; a calculator; a
reckoner.
- v. t. - A piece of metal, ivory, wood, or bone, used in
reckoning, in keeping account of games, etc.
- v. t. - Money; coin; -- used in contempt.
- v. t. - A prison; either of two prisons formerly in London.
- v. t. - A telltale; a contrivance attached to an engine,
printing press, or other machine, for the purpose of counting the
revolutions or the pulsations.
- v. t. - A table or board on which money is counted and over
which business is transacted; a long, narrow table or bench, on which
goods are laid for examination by purchasers, or on which they are
weighed or measured.
- adv. - Contrary; in opposition; in an opposite direction;
contrariwise; -- used chiefly with run or go.
- adv. - In the wrong way; contrary to the right course; as, a
hound that runs counter.
- adv. - At or against the front or face.
- a. - Contrary; opposite; contrasted; opposed; adverse;
antagonistic; as, a counter current; a counter revolution; a counter
poison; a counter agent; counter fugue.
- adv. - The after part of a vessel's body, from the water line
to the stern, -- below and somewhat forward of the stern proper.
- adv. - Same as Contra. Formerly used to designate any under
part which served for contrast to a principal part, but now used as
equivalent to counter tenor.
- adv. - The breast, or that part of a horse between the
shoulders and under the neck.
- adv. - The back leather or heel part of a boot.
- n. - An encounter.
- v. i. - To return a blow while receiving one, as in boxing.